Transmission



Sept. 30, 1941. P W. NEFF 2,257,511

TRANSMISSION' Filed Dec. 6, 1937 2 Sheets-Sheet l Sept. 3o, 1941. p. w. 'NEFF V2,257,511`

ATrRNEYJ ofAA YPatented Sept. 30, 1941 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE azsasny TRANSMISSION Paul W. Neff, New Kensington', Pa. Application December e, 1937, serial Np. 178,267

es claims. (ci. nie- 101) invention relates to transmissions and is particularly'directed to a semi-automatic speed change transmission of the type shown in my Patent 1,687,139, granted October 9, v1928. In this type of transmission` the gear vchanges are selected'by the operator, but the actual shifting of the clutch and gears "is accomplished automatically, in proper sequence, when the engine One of the Viilculties inherent in this ar rangement isthe fact that'eacli-ftime the accelerator is released the clutchy and gears disengage, thus allowing thecar to coast; During this coasting period, the gear, shift mechanism operly' locked against 4disengagement, when the transmission is in high gear, and subject to dis- Cil accelerator is operatedlifl'he present inventionl 1 ates to change gears to-the next 'higherspeed change, if aA change is to be made. However,

when the car is in high gear and no change is to( be made,it is sometimes undesirable to have the gears and clutch disengaged, as the compression f of the, engine is then not available in slowing the car. g y

It has been the practice in the past, in manual selective automatic transmissions of this type to provide a `control means of some sort whereby '5 the clutch and gears may be positively locked against disengagement when necessary. However, this control has usually been manually operated, so as not to' interfere with the automatic operation of the transmission. The usualprocedure has been to shift the gears automatically, permitting the automatic disengagement of clutch and gears until the high gear is engaged,

and, at this time, to manually 'lock the mechanism inmesh.

Another diiiiculty has been encountered heretofore in shifting from high to a lower gear as is sometimes necessary when descendinguiusually steep hills or when the road is slippery, At. such times( the most practicable expedient has been to bring the car to astop, then to select the proper gear, and, whenlengaged, to operate the lock-out control in order to prevent disengage- It has been an object of the present inventor to provide an improved speed change transmission and control system,V in which the gear changes are made by power, and in which the gears and clutch are positively and automaticalengagement, whenso desired, by a slight manipulation of the regular brake pedalj'of the car.

Another object of the inventor hasbeen to'provide an improved automatic control arrange.. ment, whereby, thegears may be changed from high gear toa lower gear, while the car is in motion, by merely selecting the desired lower gear and depressing apedal, whereupon the'engine is accelerated in order to permit meshing of theA A and transmission casing, illustrating the control system `of the improved gear shifting transmission of this invention.

Figure 2 is a horizontal sectional view takenl throughsl transmission incorporating the present improvements.

Figure 3 is a side elevation of the transmission of Figure 2, illustrating the operating linkage and Vacuum unit thereon.

Figure 4 is atop. plan view of the transmission casing, partially in section, illustrating the selector rod, the operating sleeves for the shifting yokes, and the interlock arrangement.

Figure 5 is a top plan view. of the preselector unit as installed on the steering wheel of the car. f

Figure 6 isa sectional view taken on line 6'-6, Figure 5.

yFigure '7 is a sectional view of the vacuum unit control valve.

Figure 8 is a sectional view taken on line 8--8,l

Figure 2, rillustrating the locking and indexing unit of the selector control rod. 1

Figure 9 'is a sectional view taken on line 9--9,

A.Figure 2, illustrating one of the shifter yokes in ychange gear transmission of an automobile.

This transmission is mounted in a transmission can.

mechanism may be operated by `means of the 5 apparatus of the present invention, in comunetiori with the gearshifting mechanism. Ihe clutch illustrated has a slidable member which is moved inwardly for disengagement *of the clutch members in. disconnecting the motorfrom theI transmission. The clutch mechanism'inay .be/@contained within the fly wheel of the motor tor'nary arrangement of gears, providing three forward speeds and a reverse. The gearingshfrown is of the constant mesh type. there being foiir sets of constantly meshing gears for accomplishing the forward and reverse speeds above I mfentioned.A

erasing incorporates an intermediate wall I6 creating a. clutch compartment |1 and gear-compartment I8. A main drive shaft I9 extends to `the rear from the fly wheel 20 and clutch assembly and is located longitudinally of, and approximately centrally of, the transmission casing.

'pf continually meshing gears) are loosely gigmounted on the drive shaft |9. The other'gears 4 of 'the set, namely. gears 25, 26, 21 and 28, are fixed on a counter-shaft 29. The reverse speed `Yfset, namely, gears 2| and 25, includes a reversing gear 30 which is mounted on a stub shaft 30a and Ainterposed between the gears 2| and 25. Gear 24 is formed as a part of a propeller shaft I4 and is included in the drive for all speeds and reverse. In the case of direct drive. or high speed,

the drive shaft is connected directly to the gear 24 without passing through the counter-shaft. The arrangement of the gear set for reverse is well understood and for that reason is not more completely illustrated..

As shown in the drawings, the gears 2|, 22, I

23, and 24 range in,size, from small at the forward end of the drive shaft, to large at the rearend. The large gear' 24,' at the rear of the drive shaft, is journalled in'ball bearing 3|, which supports the forward end of the propeller shaft in the wall of the casing. The forward end of the drive shaft I9 is supported in a ballgbearing32 o and is maintained against longitudinal .displacement by means of a nut 33 screwed on a counterturned portion of the shaft and engaging the inner race-of the ball bearing, 32. This nut holds the bearing race against the shoulder 33a formed by the counter-turned portion of the shaft. The

rear end of the drive shaft I9 is journalled in roller bearings 34, in an axial socket at the forward end of the propeller shaft.

` The gears on the..drive shaft areA adapted to be coupled thereto bymeans of clutches `or coupling mechanisms. The gears 2l, 22, 23, and

" 24, consideredv in their longitudinal arrangement,

Gearing l"Il'he gear-set as illustrated contains the cus- :www adapted to engage in driving relationship m Referring specifically to the drawings, the transmission casing is indicated at I5. This 35 cording to the direction of rotat Vi Gears 2|, 22, 23 and 24 (one gear of each setl forward and a rear pair with a clutch mechanism interposed between the 'gear elements' of 'each pair. The gears are fixed in position against longitudinal displacement by means of lock washers 31 engaged inannular grooves in the shaft. The gear `2| is held against a washer 35, bearing againstl the inner race of the ball bearing 32.

Gears 22 and 23 are .held together against a spacer sleeve 39.

The clutch, or coupling mechanism, consists, in each instance, of a clutch block'or collar 40 in splined connection with the drive shaft i9 and slidably mounted between each pair of gears. The collars are provided with coupling teeth andA Axwfivitl'i the adjacent teeth 4| formed on the hubs t e gears. Each clutch collar is provided with an annular groove 42 providing for operative engagement with a shifter yoke 43 adapted to shift 20 the collar into driving engagementwith the se` lected gear,k

Since thefgears are loosely journalled and the clutch 'collasjtare in splined connection on the shaft I9, shiftingof a clutch collar into engage- 25 ment with the tetth of a gear results in estab-V lishinga driving connection between the drive shaft and the gear, through the'clutch collar.

Each of the clutch""collar teeth and the adjacent gear hub4 teeth hasslightly inclined or'anguiar engaging faces as shownin Figure 2 of the drawings. The angles, in each instance, are identical and, yin the case of coupling collars, slope inwardly from the leadigjefdges of the teeth, that is, the teeth arelower atitlli'e rear edge aco; of the collars which are splined to the drive sha ittlS.

Because of this arrangement of teeth, the clutches engage positively in one direction when the teeth are brought into surface contact (end n to end) and become locked for unitarrptation in each direction after complete engagerrient.A

If the propeller shaft tends to overrun th'etdrive shaft and clutch collars the sloping faces simply slide over each other andlno coupling ensues.

45 If the drive shaft speed is greater than the pro-,A

peller shaft speed the leading edges of the c1utch`-\,' collar teeth' engage the high rear edges of the clutch teeth on the'gears and coupling ensues,

the teeth then dropping into complete mesh. If the teeth engage, bevel face to bevel face, as the shift occurs, they will slip into mesh under spring I influence as the drive shaft speeds up.

It will be observed that when both ofthe clutch elements are centered in position between .the

gears, the transmission is in neutral. When the forward clutch element 40 is shifted into engage- The forwardly disposed coupling element, when shifted inthe opposite direction, connects the drive through the gear 2| on the main drive 4 shaft, reverse gear 30, gear 25 on the countershaft, and thence to the rear axle as described.

The re'armost clutch element, when shifted forwardly, results in second speed through gears 23 and 21 to the rear axle as described. When the rearmost clutch element is shifted to the rear, the drive shaft is connected directly to vgear vare controlled 4or arranged in pairs, namely, a 75 24. and the transmission is in high gear.

The coupling elements of the gear transmission and the main fiy wheel clutch are actuated by `a clutch and gear shifting apparatus of the following description.

Gear coupling means The vacuum or suction. device 58, including cylinder I and piston 52, is secured on the side of the transmission casing. A suction line 53 extends between the intake manifold 54 of the engine to one end of the vacuum cylinder. The suction operated piston has its rod 55 connected to a lever 56 by means of a link 51. The lever 56 is secured on a shaft 58 by means of a pin. A clutch throw-out yoke 59 (see Figure 2) is fixed on the inner end of this shaft. An actuating arm 60 extends upwardly of the lever 56, integral therewith, and is'traversed by an adjustment screw 60a at its upper end in contact with a lever 6l, loosely journalled on the shaft 458. The upper'end of the lever 6I has a pivoted connection to a link 62. the rear end of which connects to the outer end of a fulcrumed gear shifting lever 63, of the gear selecting and shifter mechanism. In the clutch disengaging movement of the lever 56, the screw 60a contacts lever 6I and moves- The opposite or forward end of the rod is provided with a spiral gear 68 in mesh with a segmental spiral gear 69, secured on a cross shaft 16. The gear 68 is in splined connection with they selector rod and is held in place between a pair of lugs 1l, through which the shaft is journalled. The splined portion of the shaft upon which the spiral gear is mounted of sufficient length to per.- mit longitudinal movement of the shaft as imparted by the lever 63 for shifting the coupling element as hereinafter described.

The shifter blocks or collars are actuated by means of the selector rod 64 in the following manner. A pair of shafts 12, 13 are secured in the top casing, or cover, adjacent and parallel to the selector rod 64, one on each side thereof (see Figure 4). Each of the shafts,'12 and 13, carries a pair of shifter sleeves 14, longitudinally translatable on the respective shafts, each adjacent pair of parallel sleeves being coupled together for motion in opposite direction by means of a centrally pivoted lever 15. Each lever has its ends pivoted to its particular pair of sleeves by means of pins 16 attached to the outer ends of the lever and engaged .in transverse slots formed in the sleeves. The levers are pivoted at their centers on pins 11.

The selector rod 64 is provided with four radially projected coupling pins 18, one for each of the three forward speed positions and the reverse position of the coupling blocks. These are arranged in pairs, the elements of each pair being circumferentially spaced and located adjacent to, and between, a pair of the parallel shifter sleeves 14. Each of the shifter sleeves is provided with a pair of spaced lugs 19, between which a respective pin 18 is adapted to engage, so as to transmit the longitudinal shifting motion of the selector rod to the preselected sleeve.

'I'he clutch or coupling blocks 40, 48 are connected to certainof the shifter sleeves 14 in the following manner. As stated, each of the pairs of parallel shifter sleeves are pivotally connected to opposite ends of a particular fulcrumed lever 15, so that, in shifting, the p'air of sleeves will be moved simultaneously in the opposite directions. One sleeve of each pair of shifter sleeves 14, namely, those of shaft 12, includes a downwardly projected lug 14a on which is pivoted the upper end of one of the pair of shifter yokes 43-43.

Each yoke is disposed in shifting engagement, at its lower end, with one of the pair of coupling blocks, by means of the pins 43a` of the yoke in the annular groove 42 of the coupling element. The shank of each shifter yoke is fulcrumed medially of its length on a stud bearing 8l, thus effecting a rocking lever connection'between the sleeve 14 and the coupling element 40. This arrangement prevents binding of the parts, which might otherwise occur were the parts secured together as a unit for direct operation.

In selecting the gears to be shifted, the selector rod 64 is rotated so as to move one of the pins 18 into registry between the pair of lugs of the particular sleeve 14 to be shifted. The rotary motion is transmitted to thercd through the pair of spiral gears 68 and 69 at one end thereof. One of these gears, namely 69, is keyed to the rock shaft 10 journalled in the transmission casing. This shaft is actuated by a crank 82 in con nection with a link 83, operated from a control lever 84 mounted in the drivers compartment of the car. The operation of the control lever will be subsequently described.

.The gear 68, as stated, is slidably keyed on the selector rod 64. This arrangement permits the rod tobe rotated for purposes of selection, by means of the gears 66 and 69, and permits the subsequent operation of shifting the gears by means of the longitudinal shifting of the rod.

The selector rod 64, on the opposite end, is provided with an arrangement to prevent rotation of the rod when any one of the gears is in mesh.

This arrangement consists of a radial pin 85 pro-v jecting from the rod and adapted to engage in any one of a series of ve radial slots 86, formed in an element 81 secured in the end wall 65 of the transmission casing. The pin 85 is engaged in one of the notches 86 when the selector rod 64 is in gear meshing position. The slots 86 correspond to the radial positions to which the pin 65 is revolved for each of the four gear changes and neutral. The longitudinal shifting of the rod for bringing one of the gears into mesh moves the pin 85 into one of the slots corresponding to the appropriate gear selecting position. The rod, therefore, ,cannot be rotated for the next gear selection until it is shifted inwardly to insure 4 that all gears are in neutral before selecting and shifting the desired gear.

Interlock The shifter sleeves 14 of the shaft 13 are provided with an interlock to prevent the coupling Vinterlock lever is to rock on a pivot pin The clearance between 96 centrally 4of its length. the ends .of the lever and the end walls of the'slots allows suflicient move.-

ment to permit one of the plungers to be moved The manually operated gear selecting unit 9,1 may be mounted on the steering post of the car and includes the lever 84 in operating relationship with a stationary quadrant 99. The quadrant has a series of five' notches |00 on its upper edge adapted to be engaged by a spur on the under side of the lever (see Figure 6). notches determine the position of the lever for the four gear changes and neutral, and serve to retain the lever in position until the lever is moved by hand for the next gear change.

The hand lever is loosely journalled on a counter-turned portion of a vertical shaft |02. This shaft extends toa point adjacent to the forward end of the transmission casing and is provided with a crank arm |03 at Iits lower extremity. This crank is connected by the link 83 to the crank 82 secured on the rock shaft 10, and, in this manner, the movements of the 'vertical shafts are transferred to the rock shaft and, thence, to the selector rod by means of the gears 68 and 69.

As previously described, the selector rod 64 i cannot be rotated for gear selection unless the rod is thrust inwardly into the position it assumes when the clutch is disengaged, that is, with the pin 85 clear of the index notches 86. This arrangement makes certain that the gear which previously had been coupled, has bee returned to neutral.

As previously mentioned, the hand selector lever 84 is loosely journalled on the shaft |02. Directly beneath the hub of this lever is mounted a collar |05 keyed to the-shaft. spring |06 -is disposed on the upper face of this collar and has its outer end anchored to a pin |01 fixed to this collar. The inner end ,of the coil spring is anchored in the hub of the lever, so that the spring exerts a force tending to revolve the collar in a clock-Wise direction, while the hand lever is engaged in one of the notches of the quadrant. Thus, it is apparent that the spring moves the selector rod to the position permitted by the position of the lever 84, when the rod is moved from gear engaged position.

'This spring torque is transmitted to the selector rod through the rock shaft and gears, so that the shaft is revolved as soon as the lock pin 85 is free of'the notch. At this time, one of the pins 18 of the rod is brought to rest between the lugs of a sleeve to bring about the desired gear coupling. 'I'he degree of rotation of the rod for 'the selection is determined by a stop nger |08 extending from the collar. `The finger is disposed so as to contactthe side of the hand,

lever, in order to act as a positive stop against rotation of vthe shaft beyond the point determined by the position of the hand lever, the hand lever being engaged in one of the notches ofthe quadrant.

Thel

Accelerator means In Figure 1, the improved transmission and the control mechanism has been shown diagrammatically in relation to the operating controls of an automobile. vacuum device operating the clutch and gear shifting apparatus extends to the intake manifold 54 of the motor. A valve H0 is incorporated in this line and is actuated by the accelerator being connected therewithg by means of a rod 2. The valve (see Figure 7) incorporates a lbody I I3 and a slide valve element H4, the element having a. diametric passageway I|5 and a longitudinal groove ||6.

When the accelerator is in normal position, with the motor idling, the passageway ||5 is aligned' with the cross bore |1 forming a part of the vacuum line 53. This connects the suction. line from the manifold to the vacuum device so as to disengage the clutch and neutralize the gear shifting apparatus by movement of lever 63. When the accelerator is depressed, the groove ||6 of the valve element is in communication lwith the line 53 to the vacuum device, so as to admit atmospheric pressure to the Vacuum device 50 and permit engagement of thelclutch, the meshing of the gears thereupon being accomplished by means of the spring II8.

It may be seen, therefore, that each time the accelerator is released, the control valve, by vir' Control for braking by engine compression In order to provide for engine braking, with the gears in second or low, a control pedal |20 is provided adjacent the accelerator pedal I||.

' This pedal is pivotally connected to a rod I2|,

A flat coiled the operating end of which loosely vencircles the control valve rod H2. The rod I|2 has a U- shaped clip |22, secured thereon and adapted to be engaged by the rod |2I, when the valve is in idlingposition, that is, when theaccelerator is released.

The rod ||2 includes an elongated slot |23 at the end pivoted to the actuating arm |24 which is Iswung by the accelerator through link |25. rille accelerator is held in idlingv position by means of coil spring |26 disposed around the link |25 between the` accelerator and the floor board |21. This slot permits the rod ||2 to be moved independently of the accelerator 'when the engine braking pedal |20 is depressed, that is, when the control valve |!0 is moved to clutch and gear engaging position. At this time the engine compression is effective for slowing the speed of the car.

The abutment clip |22 is provided at its forward end with a downwardly projected linger |28 adapted to be contacted by the rod |29. The forward end of the rod |29 is sustained in a lateral slot |30 formed in the second leg |3| of the clip. 'I'he rod is drawn laterally against one end of the slot by a coil spring |32, which disposes the contacting end of the rod 1in line with the flnger |28. An inclined lug |33 is The suction line 53 for the |34 fixed to the brake shaft |35. The rearwardly extended end of the rod |20 is pivotally connect- Ied to a crank arm |33 secured on the outer end of. the rock shaft 3| on which is secured the yoke for shifting the coupling element 40 between second and high speeds. L

As may be seen from a study of `Figure 1 showing the transmission `in high gear with the clutch engaged, the rod |23 is moved forwardly when. the/` coupling element engages for high gear. In this position the control valve element ||4 is in relief position. The gears are held in mesh by the spring H3, and the rod |20 abuts against the finger |28 of the clip. Thus, when the car is in high gear, it. will remain there irrespective of the accelerator position unless the brake pedal is actuated. 1

When it is. desired vto disengage the clutch in order to either put the car into free wheeling `or changev gears, a. slight depression of the brake pedal |31 actuates the throw-out lever |34 against the inclined lug |33 on the rod |23. This move- `ment results in a slight lateral movement of the rod as permitted by the lateral slot |30, ,and the forward end of the rod is dislodged from contact with the finger |20. The spring H3 will then return the valve element ||4` to relief or' gear disengaging position provided the accelera- I 33 through the medium of the coupling elements |30 and III.

The cross shaft. |33 includes an arm |40 atits outer end connected tothe throttle actuating assembly |4lthrough a link connection I 40. In this manner, on depressing the engine brakin pedal, the clutch will be engaged and the engin l accelerated further until the gears are synchrotoreis released, and the clutch will be disengaged.

The engine braking pedal |20 is normally ineffective when the car is`in high gear (as shown p .in Figure 1) because of the action of the rod |23 as previously described. The purpose of this pedal isto provide means for utilizing the braking power of the engine when the transmission is in second or low gear, as in descending steep hills or negotiating slippery or bad stretches of road. In normah operation of the car withthe gears in second, low, or reverse, the lclutch is disconto neutral each time the accelerator is released.

nized and engaged. Immediately upon gear engagement the outer end of the shifter lever 03 will move forwardly to the position shown in Figure 1 to disengage the couplers on the accelerator shaft |33 so that the throttle is closedv by the action ofthe throttle spring |43, and the engine will function as a brake..

`Operaton of the apparatus The apparatus of the present invention operates in the. following manner. In .order to place the car in motion the preselectingjever 04 is moved into-the notch |00 (see Figure 5) which controls low gear. This movement of the lever 04 vis transmitted tothe selector rod 04 through collar |05, shaft |02, crank arm |03, link 03, crank 02, shaft 10, and gears 03 and 00. This moves the parti-cular coupling pin 10 into engagement Vwith a particular sleeve 'I4 4for shifting the gear clutch element.

The accelerator is .then depressed. This moves the groove IIB' of the rod ||2 to relief position for the vacuum device Il, thus, permitting the spring ||0 to swing the' arm 03, thereby pulling the rod 04 and the gear clutch Velement to gear engaging position. This 4saine movement,

. also through lever 00, engages the clutch in thegear notch |00,l and, upon release of the accelerator, 'the intake manifold is connected to the vacuum device 30 through passageway IIS for dis-` engaging the clutch and shifting the rod 04 into When lit is desired to shift the transmission jwhen the'pedal is depressed. A second coupling element |4| is slldablyvv keyed to the cross shaft |03 and adapted t0 engage the first. Thefcou- 61mg e1ement|4| is actuated by e bel-1 crank lever |42 havig a yoke connection to an -annular groove |43 of the element. The opposite end of the-bell crank lever is -pivotally connected to a rod |44 extending from the outer end of the selector rod shifter lever 63. J

When the selector 'rod is in disengaged or in gear selecting position, the outer end of the shifter lever 03,JV due to the action of the vacuum device, will be in its rearward position, a position o ite to that-shown in Figure l. At this time tllesod |44 will permit the bell crank lever to be actuated by a spring |43 in order to engage the two coupling` elements together. When the engine braking pedal |20 is depressed to engage the clutch and. the selected gear, the movement of the pedal will be transmitted to the cross shaft neutral. Upon release of the pin 05 of the rod 04 from the radial slot 86, the collar |00 will vfollow up the-lever 84 to rotate the-rod 04 to engagement with the .particular sleeve I4 for second gear connection. Depression of the accelerator in the manner described above causes the shift and clutch engagement, and the car is in second gear. In both second and low gears the clutch and gears automatically return to neutral when the accelerator is released.

When the lever 34 is moved to the high gear notch |00 and the accelerator isA depressed the clutch and gear are engaged as above described. Howeven, upon release of the accelerator the engagement o f the gears remains undisturbed. Thus, the car is not in free wheeling v tion unless desired. The gears are kept in dri connection due to the fact that the high gear yoke 43 has xnoved arm |30 and rod |23 to cause engagement of the rod |20 with the clip |22. (See Figure 1e) i When free Wheeling i8 desired the I'Od l2! i8 laterally displaced to .break the abutment with 4 the gears are' maintained in coupled position.

apen, the red m agaiabuts the enp |22, end

In order to shift from high to a lower gear while the car is moving, the transmission. is moved to neutral by depression of the brake pedal |31 and displacement of the rod |29. 'I'he lower gearis then selected by means of the preselecting lever 84. Here the lever 84 directly engages and moves the stop finger |08 of the collar |05.

The engine brake pedal |20 is employed for compression braking of the car. When the pedal |20 is depressed, assuming the gears in neutral or free wheeling, the engine is accelerated through connection to the throttle valve of the carburetor by way of coupling |38, coupling |4|` shaft |39, arm |46, link |48, and throttle actuating assembly |4|. This same movement causes the gear shifting and clutchingl operation, due to the engagement of'arm |2| with the clip |22 and actuation of the valve rod H2. When the gears are coupled, the arm 63 uncouples elements |38 and |4| through link |44 and'bell crank arm |l42, and the accelerator coupling is broken. Thereupon the engine acts as a brake, since the throttle ls'closed and the gears are coupled. Release of the pedal |20 permits the clutch and gears to be disengaged, as heretofore described by depression of the brake pedal.

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. -In a speed change transmission, including, l

a motor, a vehicle, the speed control means for the motor, 'and the braking means for the ve` hicle; a set of lgears adapted to be engaged, a plurality of devices for coupling said gears, a handcontrolled means for selecting a particular device, a vacuum device in operative connection with the manifold of the engine for uncoupling the gears, a spring actuating said hand controlled means for coupling the gears, a control valve in the connection between the vacuum device and the manifold, said control valve operated by the speed control means for the motor, an intercontrol for said valve, operated by the gear shifting device for high gear, and a connection between said brakingv means and said intercontrol for operating said 'intercontrol and causing gear disconnection and free wheeling when the speed control means is released, said intercontrol normally holding the gear shifting means in gear engaging condition.

2. A gear speed change transmission, including, a power source, speed control means, a clutch controlled power shaft, a clutch throw-out lever, a gear shifting rod.; apower operateddevice adapted to move said clutch throw-out lever and translate said gear shifting rod in the named sequence, means for setting said gear` shifting rod for selective gear shifting, means for retracting said rod and shifting said gear, and means for controlling the power operated device, said latter means connected to the speed control means for the power source and to the gear shifting rod, operation of said latter means accelerating the power source, engaging the gears, and thereupon decelerating the power source.

3. In a motor driven vehicle including, the motor, a speed control means for the motor, a clutch controlled drive shaft, a brake for the vehicle; a speed change transmission, including sets of gears for different speeds driven by said clutch controlled shaft, means for selecting a particular set of gears for coupling the drive, a spring urged dev ice for coupling the selected set of gears and engaging the clutch, .a power device for disengaging the clutch and uncoupling the set of gears, said spring urged device and said power device controlled by the speed control means for the motor for coupling the drive when the speed control means is opened and uncoupling the drive except in high gear when the speed control means is closed, and a brake control device for holding the high gear set in coupled position unless the brake is operated.

4. In a gear change transmission, including, a motor, a vehicle, a speed control means forthe motor, and a braking means for the vehicle; a set of gears adapted to transmit the motor drive to the vehicle, a plurality of couplers for the respective gears, a hand controlled means for selecting a particular coupler, a power device for disengaging a certain set of gears and by a spring for engaging tlie'set of gears, a connection between said power device and the gear selection means for shifting the gears, said power device controlled by the speed control means for the motor, auxiliary means forl holding the high gear coupler in gear engaging position, and a connection between said braking means and said auxiliary means for operating said auxiliary means and permitting free wheeling when the speed control means is released.

5. In a motor driven vehicle including the motor and its speed control means, the brake for the vehicle, and the speed change gear transmission; a gear coupling means, a, device in connection with said gear coupling means for neutralizing the transmission when the speed control means is operated for increasing speed, and

independent means for automatically operating the speed control means for increased speed, coupling gears, and operating the speed control means for decreased speed in the named sequence, and thereby causing the engine to act-as a brake.

6. A transmission control means, including, the motor, the clutch, and sets of gears to be coupled, means operating the clutch and coupling the gearsran accelerator for the motor, said accelerator controlling the means operating the clutch and shifting the gears, and a compression braking pedal for controlling said means for operating said clutch and coupling the gears independently of the accelerator.

"7. A shifting unit for a gear speed change transmission comprising a pair of parallel shafts,

slidable elements on one shaft, gear coupling eletranslating said rod to shift the selected one oi said elements.

8. In the control system for the transmission of a motor driven vehicle including, the motor, the accelerator, the brake, and the transmission including gears to be coupled, a vacuum operated device for sluiting the clutch and coupling 'the gears, a valve operated by said accelerator for controlling the vacuum operated device,

means operated by the coupling of the gears for high gear for holding said valve in gear coupling position when the transmission is in high gear, and a lever operated by the brake for disengaging said last named means and permitting free wheeling.

9. In a motor driven vehicle, including, the

motor, the speed control means for the motor, the drive shaft, and the brake for the vehicle; a

speed change tron, including, sets of gears for different speeds driven by .said drive shaft, means for selecting a particular set of gears for connecting the drive, means for coupling the gears when the speed control means is moved'for acceleration of the motor, means for uncoupling the gears when the speed control 'i' loosely fixed on the rod, a coil spring/connected to the element and the lever and constantly urging the abutment 'against the lever, means for f engaging the lever in selectedposition for the ments on the other shaft, fulcrum levers connecting each element on the first shaftwith alreu 'spective gear coupling element on the other shaft,

a selector rod disposed parallel with said ilrst named shafts including pins adapted forselectively engaging any vone of said elements upon rotation of the selector rod, means for rotating said rod and a power actuated device for translating said rod to shift the selected one of said elements, means for locking the rod against rotation when the gear coupling elements are in coupling position, and means for interlocking .the slidatbie eleme nts against c)simultaneous movemen 1l. A shifting device for a gear speed change transmission comprising a pair of parallel shafts,

coupling elements on the othe an adjacent gear coupling element on lthi-other shaft, a selector rod disposed parallel with said first named shafts including pins adaptedk to shaft, fiilcl'lim particular'gearshifts, and means for holding the gear selector and coupling rod against rota- 1 tion when in gear coupling position whereby the lever can be moved to certain .position in advance of Vthe'movementof the rod and upon release of the holding means for the gear couplingrod the rodwill follow up the lever.

15. In a motor driven vehicle; a speed change transmission including sets of gears adapted to connect the drive from a power source to avehicle, means for selecting a particular set of gears for connecting the drive, means for connecting and disconnecting the selected set of gears, holding means for preventing operation of the selector means when the gears are coupled, said selector means including aselector lever independently moved to' any one of the series of gear l sitions and a spring urged means for shifting he selector means to the selected position when the holding means is released, and means coactr ing with the last named means operable at the will of the operator for automatically accelerating the motor, engaging the drive, and decelerating the motor in the named sequence.

16. In a motor driven vehicle including, the

motor, the clutch controlled drive shaft,y the throttle for the motor, and the brake for'the vehicle, a transmission, including, a set of gears slidable-elements on one of said shafts,` geary shaft, gear selecting means, clutch actuating and levers connecting each element on one shaft witlr 3'5 engage any one of said elements upon rotation of the selector rod, means for rotating saidgrod,

a power actuated device for translating said rod to shift the selected one of said elements', and

an interlock device for locking the slidable elements against simultaneous movement. l

12. In a transmission, gear coupling means. a

clutch connected driving means to saidtransmission, a device for operating said clutch andV gear coupling means in sequence, means for controlling said device, an accelerator for controlling `the speed of the driving means, said accelerator connected to said means for controlling said device for operating the same, and an independently operated control pedal forL operating said operating said clutch and selective gear coupling device mdependently of the accelerator, said pedal adapted to be operated by the foot independently of any other control mechanism.

13. A speed control mechanism for the transmission of an automobile or the like, comprising,`

trolling said power means for actuating the common shifter means, means for maintaining the common shifter'means in coupling position, and

a brake operated arm for actuating said last adapted to be-selectively coupled to the drive gear coupling means, and a device associated with the brake and operable thereby for mainthe brake.

17'. In a transmission, a clutch controlled drive shaft, a propeller shaft, constantly meshing sets of speed change gears adapted to yconnect said drive shaft and said propeller shaft, shiftable spring urged coupling elementsfor connecting said sets of gears tothe drive shaft, said coupling elements and gears to be coupled including coinponent teeth having inclined end faces permitting coupling engagement vbetween the teeth when the teeth are engaged end for end, selective gear coupling means and acommon devicefor means in sequence. i A

18. In a transmission, a clutch controlled drive shaft, a propeller shaft, constantly meshing sets of speed change gears adapted to connect said `drive shaftand said propeller shaft. shiftable coupling elements for connecting said sets of gears to the drive shaft, said coupling elements and gears to be coupled including component teeth having inclined end faces permitting coupling engagement between .the teeth when the -teeth are engaged end for end, selective gear spring urged in one direction for coupling the gears, means moved by the accelerator for oonnamed -means for permitting movement of the common shifter means to uncoupled position when the brake is applied. e

14. In a speed control apparatus, a gear select-l ing and coupling rod, aoconnection to said rod for rotating the same including ayrod, an element fixed on the rod including an abutment, a lever coupling means for actuating said gear coupling elements, and a power operated device for operating said clutch andselective gear coupling means in the proper sequence.

19. In a transmission, a clutch controlled drive shaft, a propeller shaft, constantly meshing sets of `speed change gears between said drive shaft and said propeller shaft, shiftable coupling elements for connecting said sets of gears to the drive shaft, said coupling elements and gears to be coupled including component teeth having inclined-end faces permitting coupling engagement between the teeth when the teeth are engag'ed, end for end. selective gear coupling means pling means, in sequence, means for controllingl the speed of the drive shaft, and means on the drive shaft speed control meansfor controlling the operation of said device. 20. A shifting unitv for a speed change gear transmission', comprising, 'apair of support rods, a slidable element on one shaft, a slidable gear coupling element on the other shaft, a fulcrum ,lever connecting the respective elements, a selec- /tor means disposed between said support rods, v including portions adapted f or selectively engaging either of said elements, means for moving y said selector means into engagement with either of saidl elements, and a power actuated device for moving said means to shift the selectedone i of said elements. l

21. In a transmission, a drive shaft, a clutch for controlling said drive shaft, a propeller shaft, constantly meshing sets of'speed change. gears `adapted to connect said drive shaft and said propeller shaft, said propeller shaft in ,constant drive connection with saidA speedk change gears, shiftable spring urged coupling elements for connecting said sets of gears to said drive shaft, said coupling elements and gears to be coupled inc1u`ding clutch-teeth adapted to engage positively only when said coupling elements and gears re- 22. In a transmission, a drive shaft, a' propeller shaft, constantly meshing sets of speed jchange gears adapted to connect said drive shaft and said propeller shaft, said propeller shaft being in constant drive connection with said speed change gears, .shiftable coupling elements'for connecting said sets of gears to the drive shaft,

said coupling elements and gears' including component clutch teeth adapted to engage positively 10 only when said coupling elements and gears rotate spectively rotate in one and the same direction.-

` selective gear coupling means and.Ja common decoupling means 'in' sequence.

in one and the same direction, selective gear coupling means, power means for disengaging the shiftable coupling elements from the gears and, spring means for reengaging the coupling elements and gears after selection through said selective gear coupling means. l"

`23. In al transmission, a drive shaft, a clutch for controlling said drive shaft, a propeller shaft. constantly meshing sets of speed change gears adapted to connect said drive shaft and said propeller shaft, said propeller shaft being in constant drive connection with said speed' change gears, shiftable coupling elements for connecting said sets of gears to said drive shaft, said cou? pling elements and gears including component clutch teeth adapted to engage positively only when said coupling elements and gears rotate in one and the same direction, selectivergear coupling means, common power means for disengaging said drive shaft control clutch and for disengaging the shiftable coupling elements from said gears and, springmeans for reengalging said shiftable coupling elements and said' gears after a gear selection.

PAUL NEFF. 

